Congressman Collins: Protect Creators’ Intellectual Property Rights

April 22, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA) and Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) led a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler asking the FCC to ensure that copyrighted programming will be appropriately protected under the proposed rules to reform the cable set-top box marketplace. The members issued the following statements on the letter:

“It takes a lot of folks to produce a television program, from actors, designers, composers, and writers, and all of their livelihoods depend on intellectual property protections,” said Congressman Collins. “Payments under our copyright licensing system enable these creators to continue their work, but if the FCC’s proposal fails the copyright and licensing system, it could undermine our creative ecosystem and have serious implications for the jobs of those who produce our film and television content. Congressman Deutch and I, along with the other co-signers of this letter, urge the FCC to take appropriate action to ensure that this rulemaking does not result in harm to the millions of creators in our country.”

“Technological advancements are providing exciting new ways to deliver the amazing content we all love,” said Congressman Deutch. “Failing to account for the complex system that supports the creation of entertainment would have unintended consequences. As a member of the Creative Rights Caucus and a co-chair of the House Songwriters Caucus, I understand how important it is to protect the millions of Americans who produce exceptional television, movies, and music as part of our nation’s creative community.”

Members of Congress who have signed on to Congressmen Collins and Deutch’s letter are:

Congressman Tom Marino (R-PA)

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)

Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)

Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX)

Congressman Tony Cárdenas (D-CA)

Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL)

Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA)

Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA)

Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Congresswoman Mimi Walters (R-CA)

Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL)

Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA)

Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY)

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)

Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY)

Congressman Alan Lowenthal (D-CA)

Congressman Mike Bishop (R-MI)

Congressman Gerald Connolly (D-VA)

Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA)

Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA)

Congressman David Trott (R-MI)